Pittsburgh Pirates will not withdraw their players from Venezuelan Winter League – MLB News
As the exceedingly shocking news of the Washington Nationals’ catcher Wilson Ramos’ kidnapping made rounds, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ assistant general manager Kyle Stark stated on Friday, November 11 that his team did not intend to ask any player to leave
Venezuela.
Ramos who was kidnapped on Wednesday in Venezuela had gone to play in the Winter League in his native country. News of his kidnapping triggered panic in different camps and it was thought that the Pirates would make a decision in this regard.
As the assistant general manager Kyle Stark spoke to the press on Friday, he ruled out any possibility of calling back the players. The Pittsburgh Pirates have five of their players in Venezuela who are currently playing in the Winter League.
"We have not had any players leave Venezuela, as of today, by their own choice or our recommendation," assistant general manager Kyle Stark said. "There has always been an increased concern about player safety in Venezuela, but something like this only raises
awareness."
The Venezuelan Winter League (VWL) has made its reputation for increasingly tough games that is why many players prefer playing there. Started on October 12, the Winter League shall come to end on December 30.
Kidnapping of Ramos was feared to affect the event a great deal. However, the Pirates decision on Friday will help other teams stay composed. However, security measures may well be increased given the concerns that different teams have for their players.
With the five players that the Pirates have in Venezuela, the biggest name is that of Heberto Andrade. The Pirates plan to place a team in Dominican Summer League instead of Venezuelan Summer League.
Houston Astros’ general manager, Ed Wade, on the other hand had stated they could not ask the Venezuelan players playing in different teams to leave their native country. “I don't think a native Venezuelan player would really embrace us telling them they
should leave their home country. Some of those decisions have to be left up to them,” he said.
With a lot being discussed about the safety concerns, the Pirates and all other organisations hope that a good news regarding Ramos will come soon.
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